How charities can gain AI skills with Microsoft

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how organisations operate – and charities are no exception. From streamlining operations to enhancing service delivery, AI offers a wealth of opportunities to boost impact. But with new tools and capabilities emerging all the time, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

 

That’s where Microsoft Elevate comes in. Designed to support nonprofits, schools, and colleges, Microsoft Elevate helps eligible organisations embrace the potential of AI through access to advanced technology, tailored training, and financial support. The goal? To empower charities to build the confidence and capability they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.

 

To make the most of these opportunities, charities need the right skills and knowledge. 

 

 

Building AI skills with Microsoft Elevate

 

Skilling is at the heart of Microsoft Elevate. Charities can access a wide range of training resources – whether they’re just starting out or looking to deepen their technical expertise.

 

Courses cover everything from AI fundamentals to Microsoft 365 Copilot, with learning pathways designed for every level. Beginners can explore Introduction to AI skills, while more advanced users can dive into the Copilot Success Kit. Topics include cyber security, accessibility, and sustainability, ensuring charities have the knowledge they need to deliver services safely and effectively.

 

Microsoft Elevate also offers charity-specific guidance, helping organisations understand how AI can support their mission and build best practices for responsible use.

 

Find training resources 

 

 

AI in Action: Real-world impact

 

Charities around the world are already using AI to deliver greater impact – and Microsoft Elevate is helping make it happen.

 

Opportunity International, a nonprofit working to end extreme poverty, has developed an AI-powered chatbot using Microsoft Azure. The chatbot supports farmers in remote and rural communities by providing easy access to agricultural advice via WhatsApp, in their local language. Drawing on the Malawi government’s good agricultural practices manual, it helps farmers choose suitable crops and prevent plant diseases, boosting yields and improving livelihoods.

 

Similarly, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has used Microsoft Azure’s AI services to convert documents into accessible formats such as Braille, audio, and large print. Previously, this process required extensive manual corrections. Now, AI automates the conversion, with staff reviewing outputs for accuracy – saving valuable time and resources.

 

These are just two examples of how AI is helping charities solve real-world challenges. Over the next two years, Microsoft Elevate aims to help 20 million people build specialist AI skills and will donate more than $4 billion USD to support nonprofits, schools, and colleges.

 

To help charities get started, Microsoft Elevate offers a comprehensive toolkit that includes an AI-enhanced cyber security e-book, a Copilot Agent Playbook for Nonprofits, and other practical resources. You can download the full toolkit below.

 

Download the toolkit

 

 

Grants and discounts to support digital transformation

 

Financial barriers remain a major challenge for charities, especially when it comes to digital progress. According to the 2025 Charity Digital Skills Report, limited budgets are the biggest obstacle to transformation.

 

To help overcome this, Microsoft Elevate provides grants and discounts on cloud and AI solutions including Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. These tools can be enhanced with AI and tailored to meet the specific needs of each organization – making digital transformation more accessible for charities of all sizes.

 

Microsoft grants and discounts 

 

 

Empowering charities for the future

 

As AI continues to reshape the nonprofit landscape, Microsoft Elevate is ensuring that charities have the tools, training, and support they need to keep pace. By combining cutting-edge technology with practical resources and financial support, Microsoft Elevate empowers organisations to innovate with confidence, unlocking new possibilities and delivering lasting impact in the communities they serve.